Open Space Forestry Lead - Weed Control & GIS Mapping

Adams County; Colorado; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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Job summary

Adams County is seeking staff to identify weed-infested areas, monitor treated sites, and develop long-term eradication strategies using integrated pest management. The role involves applying herbicides, maintaining records, operating division vehicles, and mapping infestations with GIS.

Responsibilities include supervising seasonal workers, assisting with vegetation management education, and coordinating with the Open Space Supervisor on landowner projects across county parks, trails, and open

Qualifications

• Knowledge of rules, regulations, and laws related to weed control, pest control and community forestry.
• Knowledge of principles and practices used in the application of pesticides to control weeds and other designated pests.
• Knowledge of principles of record keeping and report preparation in accordance with the Colorado Pesticide Applicator's Act.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of operational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of assigned work.
• Ability to operate, calibrate, repair, and care for the full range of mechanical and chemical parks equipment.
• Ability to lead, organize, and review the work of assigned staff.
• Accurately determine amount of pesticide to be applied (measurement of liquids, ratios).
• Ability to identify noxious weeds, locations, and extent of infestations in Adams County; interpret, navigate, and map infestations effectively using topographical maps and Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
• Ability to successfully meet continuing education requirements to maintain pesticide applicator certification by the Colorado Department of Agriculture and/or International Society of Arboriculture.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing with staff and landowners.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted during work.
• Knowledge of lead supervision and training, record keeping, and reporting.
• Knowledge of pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of basic

Responsibilities

• Locate and identify weed infested areas; map and monitor progress of treated areas. Develop strategy for long-term integrated noxious weed/ invasive species eradication program.
• Monitor and evaluate populations of noxious weeds/invasive species and make recommendations for management/suppression, using the most appropriate integrated pest management methods.
• Identify county, state, and federal requirements and regulations of various weed control management techniques, including all requirements relevant to pesticide storage, mixing, application, and disposal.
• Apply EPA restricted and non-restricted herbicides to county open spaces, roadsides, and private lands requiring enforcement procedures; control noxious weeds; determine type and amount of pesticides to be applied according to label. Gather information required by State and Federal agencies; maintain daily records of treated areas; prepare necessary records.
• Operate all Open Space Division vehicles including one-ton vehicles, ATV's, lift trucks, chippers and trailers; assist in the calibration of herbicide application vehicles; perform minor maintenance.
• Assist in the production of maps of unincorporated Adams County for infestation of noxious weeds included on the State Noxious Weed List.
• Participate in the field activities of a team of urban forestry specialists and trainees, regular and seasonal laborers and equipment operators.
• Performs or assists in the planting, maintenance, and removal of trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf.
• Maintain knowledge and comply with all rules and regulations set by State and Federal agencies; report changes in rules and regulations to supervisory staff.
• Identify, control, and contain noxious weeds using integrated management techniques where feasible at parks, on trails, and on open space lands.
• Accurately records work progress and updates mapping activities of the County's tree inventory using field computers.
• Assist the Open Space Supervisor in organizing vegetation management education functions.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate weed control and forestry seasonal employees and volunteers in the performance of their tasks and responsibilities.
• Assist with responses to hazardous materials spills and pesticide contamination events.
• Conduct and/or participate in tree surveys and mapping exercises.
• Plant, prune and maintain trees in accordance with International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards.
• Assist Open Space Supervisor in performing site visits for land owners in un-incorporated Adams County; assist in developing integrated weed management plans for private land owners.
• Assist park maintenance crews in construction and park maintenance projects, including the use of hand and power tools and the operation of heavy equipment.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Supervisory Responsibilities - None.

Job description

Adams County is seeking staff to identify weed-infested areas, monitor treated sites, and develop long-term eradication strategies using integrated pest management. The role involves applying herbicides, maintaining records, operating division vehicles, and mapping infestations with GIS.

Responsibilities include supervising seasonal workers, assisting with vegetation management education, and coordinating with the Open Space Supervisor on landowner projects across county parks, trails, and open